10 Notable Black Political Prisoners You Should Know
10 Black Political Prisoners Who Transformed The Ongoing Fight For Freedom - Page 3
1. Mutulu Shakur
Mutulu Shakur was a key leader in the Black Liberation Army and the Republic of New Afrika. He was incarcerated for over 36 years before his release. He dedicated his life to fighting for independence and justice for Black Americans.
2. Sundiata Acoli
Sundiata Acoli, a former member of the Black Panther Party and the Black Liberation Army, was convicted for his involvement in a shootout that resulted in the death of a New Jersey State Trooper. Acoli was granted parole in 2022 at the age of 85.
3. Mumia Abu-Jamal
Mumia Abu-Jamal is a former Black Panther and journalist who gained international attention for his conviction in the murder of a police officer. His case sparked controversy and debate, with many activists believing he was unjustly targeted due to his activism. He is currently serving a sentence of life without parole.
4. Assata Shakur
Assata Shakur, formerly Joanne Chesimard, is an iconic figure in the Black liberation movement. Convicted for the death of a New Jersey State Trooper, she escaped prison and sought asylum in Cuba, where she remains today. Shakur’s autobiography, “Assata: An Autobiography,” provides insight into her activism and her experiences as a political prisoner.
5. George Jackson
George Jackson was a prominent member of the Black Panther Party and co-founder of the Black Guerrilla Family. While serving time for a minor robbery, Jackson was heavily involved in organizing fellow prisoners and advocating for their rights. His book, “Soledad Brother: The Prison Letters of George Jackson,” became a rallying cry for prisoners’ rights.
6. Fred Muhammad Burton
Fred Muhammad Burton, a former member of the Black Panther Party, was convicted for his alleged involvement in a bank robbery. Throughout his imprisonment, Burton continued to fight for justice and raise awareness about systemic racism and the conditions faced by political prisoners.
7. Joy Powell
Rev. Joy Powell, a pastor and activist against police brutality, was targeted by the Rochester Police department. In 2006, she was convicted of burglary and assault, but believes it was politically motivated due to her activism. The trial was unfair, with no evidence provided and a biased judge. While serving a 16-year sentence, she was wrongly accused of a murder and convicted. She is now seeking legal counsel for an appeal.
8. Veronza Bowers
Veronza Bowers, a former Black Panther Party member, has been incarcerated for over four decades, making him one of the longest held inmates in U.S History. Convicted of killing a park ranger, Bowers’ case has been marred by questions of evidence tampering and witness coercion. Advocates continue to push for his release, highlighting the lack of due process and racial bias in his conviction.
9. Ruchell Cinque Magee
Ruchell Cinque Magee, a U.S. political prisoner who has served over 58 years in California prisons, has continued to be denied parole by the state’s Board of Parole Hearings. Magee’s involvement in a bold action to free political prisoners over 50 years ago led to his initial conviction. Despite facing a racist and unjust sentencing system, Magee became politicized while incarcerated and fought for justice within the prison system. Now 82 years old, he continues to be denied parole and remains incarcerated at the California Medical Facility.
10. Brittney Griner
Basketball player Brittney Griner faced imprisonment in Russia for possessing marijuana, with her case being used as a political bargaining tool. Eventually, she was successfully exchanged in a prisoner swap that involved the release of Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. Griner endured nearly 10 months of imprisonment in Russia.
